Persimmon Homes, one of the UK’s foremost housebuilders, has announced a bold expansion in the West Midlands, with plans to deliver 1,200 new homes across the region. This move is a substantial boost to local housing supply and forms a key part of the company’s strategy for long-term growth and investment in the area. In the past six months, Persimmon has secured planning approvals for a series of developments in sought-after locations, including Lichfield, Kenilworth, Redditch, Sandwell, and Burton on Trent. Additional land acquisitions have been finalised in Dunchurch and Bedworth, with another in Wednesbury anticipated by month’s end. Stephen Cleveley, Regional Chairman of Persimmon Homes, commented: “The West Midlands is crucial to our future. We see enormous potential to deliver quality homes in the region, supporting the government’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes over the next five years. Our partnerships with Local Authorities and Registered Housing Providers have been central to our success, and we greatly value their collaboration.” The development of these new homes is projected to drive significant economic benefits, bolstering job creation and helping meet the increasing demand for housing in the West Midlands. Persimmon has highlighted the importance of strong partnerships with local authorities and housing associations, which have facilitated planning approvals and enabled the smooth progress of these projects. Supporting this growth is Persimmon’s national timber frame facility in Castle Bromwich, which plays a vital role in producing sustainable building materials. The facility manufactures timber frames, insulated wall panels, and roof components for up to 9,500 homes annually, underscoring the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly, high-quality construction. With this extensive West Midlands project, Persimmon Homes is not only contributing to regional housing supply but also stimulating local economies and supporting job creation. The initiative reinforces the company’s national goals and its long-term commitment to addressing housing needs across the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, has completed the first homes at Alvaredus, its development of 333 new homes in Fairham, on the southern edge of Nottingham. Lee Parry, Vistry’s Managing Director for the North East Midlands, welcomed James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe and Cllr. Neil Clarke, Rushcliffe Borough Council Leader, and representative from Homes England, Rushcliffe Borough Council, Clowes, Gatehouse Investment Management and emh to celebrate the completion of the first batch of the new homes. Alvaredus is a new development of 333 two, three and four-bedroom homes. 68 of the properties will be being sold on the open market under the Countryside Homes brand, 165 are destined for the affordable market with 100 homes owned and managed by emh group and a further 65 properties will be available through MTVH. The final 100 will become private rental homes through Start Living, the single-family build-to-rent joint venture between Gatehouse Investment Management and TPG Real Estate Partners. Alvaredus is part of Fairham, the 606-acre mixed use neighbourhood scheme championed by Homes England and Clowes Development, helping to deliver new employment opportunities and assisting Rushcliffe Borough Council in meeting its aim to create 13,500 new homes by 2030. Fairham’s first 500 residents will be given two free adult annual tram passes worth £675 each per household, as part of a partnership between Homes England, Clowes Development and Nottingham Express Transit (NET). Lee Parry, Managing Director of Vistry North East Midlands, which is developing Alvaredus under the Countryside Homes brand, said: “After years of planning and construction work, it’s always great to see houses built and people moving in, turning this site from a development into a real community. We’re hugely proud to be contributing to the wider Fairham scheme, creating an exciting new place to live that combines a green setting with exceptional transport links and all the vibrancy that the nearby city of Nottingham has to offer.” James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe said: “It is great to see this site coming to life with a genuine mix of high-quality private sale, affordable and private rental homes being built here in Rushcliffe, with excellent housing options for people from all walks of life. Both major parties at the general election committed to building at least 1.5 million homes over five years, and I’m pleased to see how quickly this site is now progressing after years of planning. I’ve no doubt that developments like Fairham will help to tackle the UK’s housing crisis.” Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning & Housing Cllr Roger Upton said: “This is a milestone for the Fairham development, and we’re pleased to see the completion of over 300 new homes at Alvaredus by Vistry Group. “These homes are part of the 606-acre site, which will welcome a thriving new neighbourhood, bringing new homes, employment opportunities, and a new sense of community here in the Borough. “The development forms a key part of our Local Plan and will help meet the Borough’s housing need and central government’s aim for 13,500 new homes by 2030.” Kate Henderson, representing Clowes Developments and Homes England, the Partnership responsible for bringing forward Fairham commented, “Residents moving into their brand-new homes at Alvaredus, Fairham is a very exciting occasion for the Partnership. Fairham is going to continue to evolve over the next few years as we deliver 3,000 new homes, one million square feet of employment, green open spaces and so much more. We have worked hard to deliver the essential infrastructure. Elements of the 606-acre brand new neighbourhood are starting to come to life but there’s more to do. We are delighted to welcome the first residents, and we hope they enjoy being part of the Fairham story for years to come. Chris Jones, Executive Director of Development at emh said: “We are delighted to be a partner in this development, not only to deliver high-quality, mixed tenure affordable homes that respond to the needs within the local area but also ensuring that we create places where people are proud to live. We look forward to welcoming residents to their new homes and seeing this fantastic community grow.” Paul Stockwell, Group Managing Director at Gatehouse Investment Management added:“It is hugely exciting to see the first homes completed at Alvaredus, and we look forward to families moving into the Start Living homes in the coming weeks. Our focus is on providing residents high-quality homes with excellent local amenities and strong transport links, and as such we are pleased to see Start Living as part of the offer at this landmark scheme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

A major milestone for affordable housing in Dorchester has been achieved with the completion of Eldridge Street, the first phase of The Hops, a £23 million wholly affordable housing development in the heart of Dorchester.  Developed in partnership between AJC Group and Aster Group, this project brings 56 energy-efficient homes to the community, including the first-ever affordable four-bedroom family homes in Brewery Square—a rare offering in the region. Eldridge Street is a collection of 25 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 31 contemporary three- and four-bedroom terrace houses, exclusively available through Aster Group’s shared ownership scheme. The demand for larger affordable family homes has long been a challenge in Dorchester, and this development is poised to address that need. Formerly a vacant brownfield site, The Hops, is AJC Group’s largest development to date and is due to be completed in December 2024. Part of the broader 20-year regeneration of Dorchester’s town centre, Eldridge Street showcases AJC Group’s high standards of construction and energy efficiency, with all homes achieving a high EPC rating of B. David Cracklen, Director of AJC Group, said: “Dorchester has long faced a shortage of affordable housing, and we are immensely proud to deliver the first collection of four-bed family homes in Brewery Square. These spacious homes meet the need for larger families without compromising on quality or energy efficiency.” “At AJC Group, we are committed to setting a new precedent for affordable housing, one that we hope will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring future developments to prioritise both size and sustainability.” Brewery Square is within short walking distance of The Hops and has a wide range of amenities, including a state-of-the-art cinema, restaurants and bars, and shops. Eldridge Street is just a short walk from Dorchester South train station, with services to London Waterloo in under two hours, and more local journeys to the coast, including Weymouth, only taking 10 minutes.  AJC Group continues to grow its presence across the Wessex region, with five additional projects currently underway. These developments include affordable housing initiatives in Dorchester, The New Forest, and the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole areas. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

GRAHAM has been appointed by global investment, development, and real estate management company, Greystar, as the construction partner for its Stratford Mill scheme. Backed by a £68.5 million debt facility arranged by Societe Generale, the project will regenerate a brownfield site in Stratford, East London, delivering high-quality housing and community amenities to the area. GRAHAM will lead the construction of 247 apartments, including 42 affordable homes funded by Sovereign Network Group (SNG), with completion expected in autumn 2026. The development will feature buildings ranging from two to twelve storeys, offering a balanced mix of residential and commercial spaces to serve the community. With a focus on quality and accessibility, the project will deliver both market-rate and affordable housing, commercial spaces, landscaped green areas, and modern amenities designed to enhance residents’ wellbeing and foster community connections. The Stratford Mill scheme reflects Greystar’s commitment to improving the provision of housing through sustainable, resident-focused development. Located near Stratford and Stratford International stations, the area provides excellent transport connections, with City Mill Lock and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park within easy reach for residents. The project will feature a mix of amenities designed to promote wellness and a sense of community among tenants, underscoring Greystar’s focus on elevating the living experience. Dan Thompson, UK Managing Director, Development, Greystar, said: “We’re very excited to see our development at Stratford Mill progress, thanks to the debt facility secured from Societe Generale, our contractor GRAHAM and SNG who will forward fund 42 affordable homes. Greystar is dedicated to delivering high-quality housing across multiple communities.” Pat O’Hare, Regional Director at GRAHAM, commented: “Stratford Mill will deliver much-needed homes with a strong emphasis on quality, and we’re thrilled to partner with Greystar on a development that combines smart design with a real focus on community. Our focus will be on delivering a high-quality, sustainable build that meets the demands of modern living while supporting the broader community objectives through affordable housing and green spaces.” For more information on GRAHAM, please visit: www.graham.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Vistry Group, a leading UK provider of mixed-tenure housing, has acquired a major site in Hinckley, Leicestershire, with plans to develop 475 new homes. The £140 million project will be located east of Stoke Road and north of Normandy Way, providing a mix of affordable, private rental, and open market homes across the Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes brands. Of the new homes, 30% will be affordable, 25% allocated for the private rental sector, and the remaining 45% available for purchase. All homes will be built using sustainable timber frame panels from the Vistry Works factory in nearby Bardon, Leicestershire, helping to speed up construction while lowering environmental impact. Each home constructed with this method will emit 14,460kg less CO₂ compared to traditional builds, significantly reducing the site’s carbon footprint. Vistry will also showcase their project at the upcoming UKREiiF (UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum) with a dedicated pavilion, where discussions on affordable housing, sustainability, and innovation will be held, further solidifying Vistry’s leadership in community-focused, eco-friendly housing development. Andy Reynolds, Managing Director of Vistry South East Midlands, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “This acquisition marks a major step in addressing the housing shortage in Leicestershire. The new site will bring high-quality, well-connected homes suited to a range of residents and life stages.” Richborough, a premier UK land promoter, facilitated the deal after securing planning permission in early 2024. Jordan Gresham, Group Disposals Director at Richborough, commended Vistry’s vision for the project: “We’re thrilled to see this development move forward. Special thanks go to our team and consultants, as well as to our late honorary director, Steve Louth, whose vision was key to this project.” This development promises to enhance housing availability in the region while advancing sustainable building practices. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Sempra Homes has celebrated a significant milestone at its Broadmayne development in Basildon, reaching the topping-out stage for the first two affordable homes on the development. Helping to address the critical need for affordable homes in the area, this project will deliver 35 new family homes, including 17 social rent council homes that will be allocated to families on Basildon Council’s housing waiting list. In a ceremony to mark the occasion, Owen Sparks, Basildon Council’s Strategic Director of Resources and Governance, placed the final roof top ridge tile,   underscoring the significance of this achievement. The Broadmayne development is part of a larger initiative by Sempra Homes, in partnership with award-winning housebuilder The Hill Group, that spans three prime sites in Basildon and Pitsea town centres. Together, these three developments will bring a combined total of 166 social rented and private sale homes, aiming to support the housing need of the borough.   Melanie Keys, Services Manager at Sempra Homes, said: “These new homes will provide good quality, secure living spaces for local families and are a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration and partnership working. Together, we are not only providing new homes but fostering community development and supporting local employment through these developments, with a key focus on delivering much-needed homes for Basildon residents.” The development will also enhance local infrastructure and public spaces, with Sempra Homes and Hill providing opportunities for local trades and apprentices to be actively involved in the construction of these homes. Robert Jack, Regional Director at Hill, comments: “The Broadmayne development goes beyond delivering 35 much-needed new homes; it plays a vital role in strengthening Basildon’s community infrastructure. Together with Sempra Homes, we’re committed to creating employment opportunities and skills initiatives that will ensure this development leaves a lasting, positive legacy for the wider community.” The completion of these homes is anticipated in 2025. For further information please visit www.semprahomes.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, has issued new imagery for its 375-home Castle Irwell scheme in Salford as keys to the final phase of new homes are handed over to their new owners.  The Castle Irwell scheme launched in November 2020 after Salboy took ownership of the site of the infamous Manchester Racecourse. Located in a part of Salford that needed significant regeneration, the emergence of Castle Irwell is helping to transform the fortunes of the local area – a stone’s throw from central Manchester.  At the point of completion, Castle Irwell was fully sold out and 98% of homes were already occupied. The remaining new residents are expected to move in over Christmas. Made up of 375 new homes, Castle Irwell is targeted at Manchester and Salford’s young professionals, students and young families. Buyers have a choice of 2, 3 and 4-bed houses, with nine types of houses to choose from, ensuring diversity and a visually interesting site in every direction.  Partnering with Domis Construction and Wright Landscapes, Salboy has demonstrated its commitment to place making and making use of the natural or manmade landmarks surrounding its schemes. Castle Irwell is constructed around three-acres of appealing public realm areas. The river that runs through the site has been adapted with walking trails and organic play areas to provide the sort of peaceful and tranquil setting residents might look for.  Developed over four years and with a £110m GDV, Castle Irwell meets all high and continuously evolving sustainability requirements and expectations. Solar panels on the roofs of all houses enable residents to make sustainable energy choices that suit their individual family needs.  Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “Manchester Racecourse holds deep significance for the Salboy team. Many of us grew up nearby and love the history and stories that surround it. Charged with transforming the site into a place where people want to live and build families was a huge honour and responsibility. I am, once again, delighted to turn over the keys to our scheme’s new residents on time and on budget. We look forward to seeing how this pocket of Salford develops and adds value to the local community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Leading house builder Crest Nicholson has secured planning permission for 109 new homes in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, marking the next phase of the wider Meon Vale development site. As part of the wider scheme, Crest Nicholson will bring a mix of two, three, four and five bedroom homes, each featuring PV solar panels and Electric Vehicle Charge Points. The homes will include several of Crest Nicholson’s house types such as the Filey and the Windsor. Of the 109 homes being built, 40% will be designated as affordable, with 29 plots allocated for affordable rent, and nine available through shared ownership. Tim Brickley, Managing Director for Crest Nicholson Midlands commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission to deliver much needed, energy efficient homes within the village. Being able to offer 40% of the development as affordable housing is an important step in making home ownership more accessible and we look forward to providing high quality new homes that will contribute to the vibrant, sustainable community of Meon Vale” The Marston Leys development will introduce a new phase to the rural, self-sufficient village of Meon Vale. Once a Ministry of Defence site, Meon Vale has transformed into a thriving community complete with a school, sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and leisure and community centres. Work is anticipated to start in early 2025 with the first homes due for completion towards the end of the year. Located on the edge of the Cotswolds, Meon Vale also benefits from being joined to Stratford-upon-Avon’s flagship cycle and footpath, which sweeps through the heart of the village and continues to Stratford-upon-Avon town centre. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals